Sarawak heritage activist calls on younger generation to look into the past for guidance

Lim presents the book to senior curator of the Military Museum of Western Australia Stephen Sinclair. Chew is at right.MIRI (April 19): In a time marked by global uncertainty and rising tensions, Datuk Lim Kian Hock is calling upon the younger generation to “look into the past for guidance’”.

The former heritage advisor to the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) stressed the importance of sharing historical stories, particularly those of World War II (WWII) to help youths understand “the true cost of conflict and the priceless value of peace”.“These stories are not just about survival. They are lessons in humanity, courage, and the consequences of hate,” Lim, an Honorary Medal of the Order of Australian (OAM) recipient, told The Borneo Post here.



Recently, he and the Commissioner of Human Rights Malaysia, Dr John Chew, went to the Military Museum of Western Australia for a brief study visit.They were shown the display of exhibits, artefact equipment and history on WWI and WWII, the Vietnam War, and the conflicts in Borneo and South East Asia region where Australian veterans sacrificed their lives in defence for peace.“We were delighted to see the detailed display of the well-known Captain LC Matthews, who was killed by Japanese firing squad at Batu Kawa (Kuching) area in 1942, and buried in Batu Lintang graveyard.

His grave was later exhumed and his remains were brought to Labuan Commonwealth grave,” Lim said.During the visit, Lim gifted a book by Bario Operations Semut Commando Jack Tredea, ‘Bario Reflection’, as a tribute for closed cooperation and relations between Australia and Sarawak.Lim was bestowed the OAM as recognition for his service to Australia-Malaysia relations, particularly to commemorating the role played by Australians in Sarawak during WWII.

In 2013, he campaigned and advocated for the permanent recognition of the Australian Z-Units for their gallantry.His effort received support from the Bario Rurum Kelabit Committee and Communities, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Sarawak Tourism Federation Heritage Development, as well as the families and friends of the late Jack Tredea.Prior to this, Lim had served in the public service for 38 years, from 1962 until his retirement in 2000, and among the positions that he had held was assistant state secretary in then-Chief Minister’s Office.

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